Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta was not flying aircraft, safety not jeopardised, says MAG

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) says the Malaysia Airlines pilot detained in Jakarta was not flying the aircraft at the time and was in the cockpit jump seat as an observer. The company said the individual, a Second Officer, had also been off duty for two days before the incident. In a statement on Friday (Aug 7), MAG added that the aircraft was operated safely throughout by two qualified operating pilots, while calling the observer’s actions unacceptable and contrary to professional standards. Indonesian media had previously reported the pilot, 39, was detained after being accused of smuggling 25kg of drugs through Terminal 3 at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Authorities cited 15 packages containing 70,114 ecstasy and methamphetamine capsules valued at RM45 million, plus a urine bottle allegedly meant to falsify a drug test.